the bare assertion

USAGE SUMMARY

"the bare assertion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an unsupported statement or claim that is made without justification or proof. For example: "My opponent's bare assertion that my policies are outdated is completely unfounded and without evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The robust liberal response is not going to put off by the bare assertion of the contrary.

The New York Times - Books

The utilitarian rule "everyone to count for one, nobody for more than one" is already a substantive egalitarian norm, which goes beyond the bare assertion of equal basic human worth.

SEP

Although the biosemanticist would not assent to the bare assertion that the past is the present nor is Faulkner likely to have done so she agrees that (selection) history determines what present representational structures and processes are about, just as it determines the present function of non-representational structures and processes (hearts).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Unfortunately for them, the bare assertion of a fact does not make it true.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Wes implicitly endorses the external voice because the sentence serves as a bare assertion of facts and he does not indicate his opposition to such a claim.

Functional Linguistics

I also want to contest her bare assertion that I'm "doing fine," which I feel is basically a way to throw a blanket over me and my situation as if I were a small fire that you put out, and — wait: Billy?

The New Yorker

This is not just bare assertion.

SEP

For the focal students' texts, I adapted four categories for analyzing text dialogue and provide my own descriptions and examples, as seen in Table 2. Table 2 Analyzing external voices with engagement: four categories of dialogic voicing Engagement Term Description Example dialogic contraction pronouncement closes down a dialogue; can be a bare assertion that looks like facts.

Functional Linguistics

Perhaps not surprisingly, some deny that a statement can ever be neutrally stated, even if in a larger rhetorical context; White and the Appraisal Website ("Modelling engagement," 2015) title the discussions on the non-existence of bare assertions as "no more facts".

Functional Linguistics

To justify his claim that his budget is fair, the treasurer has made some bare assertions, including that the "welfare system is unsustainable in its current form and it is not well targeted to those who really need our assistance".

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite being a paraphrase, his rough draft lacked dialogic voicing and stance with the lack of integration of external voice and bare assertions, which also created contractive voicing.

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "the bare assertion" in situations where a neutral tone is expected. It carries a critical or dismissive connotation.

Common error

Don't assume your audience will automatically recognize that an assertion is unsupported. Explicitly state why the assertion lacks evidence or justification to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the bare assertion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a statement lacking supporting evidence. As Ludwig AI points out, this is commonly used to critique or question the validity of an argument.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the bare assertion" is a noun phrase used to describe a statement presented as fact without supporting evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its critical or analytical tone. While grammatically sound, its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in News & Media and Science contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of its dismissive connotation and ensure you provide context to clarify the lack of support. Consider alternatives like "the unsubstantiated claim" or "the bald statement" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the unsubstantiated claim

Focuses on the lack of evidence to support the statement.

the bald statement

Emphasizes the blunt and direct nature of the assertion, often implying a lack of nuance or justification.

the unsupported allegation

Highlights the accusatory nature of the statement, as well as its lack of supporting evidence.

the groundless declaration

Underscores the absence of any reasonable basis for the statement.

the naked claim

Similar to "bald statement", but with a slightly stronger connotation of vulnerability or exposure due to the lack of support.

the unfounded proposition

Suggests that the statement is based on speculation rather than established fact.

the empty pronouncement

Implies that the statement lacks substance or meaningful content.

the unproven contention

Highlights the need for evidence to validate the statement.

the simple assertion

Highlights the simplicity and directness of the statement, often implying a lack of deeper analysis or justification.

the mere claim

Downplays the significance or credibility of the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "the bare assertion" in a sentence?

You can use "the bare assertion" to describe a statement presented as fact without evidence. For example: "The politician's argument relied on "the bare assertion" that tax cuts stimulate the economy."

What are some alternatives to "the bare assertion"?

Alternatives include "the unsubstantiated claim", "the bald statement", or "the unsupported allegation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the bare assertion" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "the bare assertion" can be seen as critical. Consider the context and audience. More neutral phrasing might be preferable in some formal settings.

What does "the bare assertion" imply about the statement being described?

It implies that the statement is presented without any supporting evidence or justification, suggesting it may be weak or unreliable. It emphasizes the lack of backing.